* The last time the Hokies scored in the 40s and won? A 45-43 victory over George Washington in 1997.

* Sunday marked the 10th time Virginia has failed to crack 50 in Tony Bennett’s three seasons and the 15th time his Cavaliers have limited the opponent to less than 50. That’s a reflection of the grinding defense and deliberate offense he runs.

* But holding an opponent under 50 and losing?! That’s beyond unusual. It was the first time since 1984, when Georgia Tech defeated Virginia 49-46.

Moreover, the 47 points the Cavaliers yielded Sunday were the fewest they’ve allowed in a loss since their infamous 1982 ACC tournament final against North Carolina. In a matchup of top-five teams that featured Michael Jordan, James Worthy and Ralph Sampson, Tar Heels coach Dean Smith employed his four corners delay, and Carolina won, 47-45.

That game, more than any other, ushered in the shot clock to college basketball.

So was Sunday a case of stifling defense or inept offense?

Well, both teams guarded fiercely in the half court, forcing the other deep into the clock and limiting possessions. But Tech shot a respectable 45.2 percent, above its average (43.2) and the first time in five games it’s bettered 40 percent.

Conversely, Virginia shot a season-low 32.6 percent and made 1-of-14 from beyond the arc. Plus, the Cavaliers missed 7-of-13 free throws in the second half.

Tech contested most of Virginia’s shots, but the Cavaliers missed some great looks as well.

“We struggled to shoot the ball,” Bennett said. “We struggled from the three. We struggled from the free throw line. We even missed some layups. I told our guys, ‘What else can you do but take those shots?’”

Said Greenberg: “It was basically two (teams) who had drawn a line in the sand, and (were) not giving an inch.”

Lessons learned: Defense will keep these teams in most, if not every, game. Absent improvement, offense will cost them.

I can be reached at 247-4636 or by e-mail at dteel@dailypress.com. Follow me at twitter.com/DavidTeelatDP